Canine Parvovirus

What is It?

Canine Parvovirus (CPV) is the most common
infectious
disorder of dogs in the United States.

Parvovirus is an extremely
stable virus,
able to withstand both hot and cold, and can survive for 5 months or
more.

Inanimate objects, such as clothing, cage
floors, food bowls, etc., can harbor the virus. And it can also be
spread through insects and rodents.

Adults dogs exposed to parvovirus will show
few, if any,
symptoms. Puppies 6 months and under are the most
susceptible. The most severe cases are seen in puppies 12 weeks and
under.

Doberman Pinschers, Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers tend to be
more susceptible than other breeds.

Symptoms

Symptoms of canine parvovirus can appear
7-14 days after
exposure. Intestinal
parvo, or enteritis, is
the most common type of parvo. It can be spread through
infected feces just 3 days
after exposure, before symptoms are seen.

Symptoms include:

Dark or bloody feces

Diarrhea

Dehydration

Depression

Fever

Loss of Appetite

Vomiting (often severe)

Acute forms of the disease can progress very
rapidly
with death occurring
as early as two days after the onset.

Less commonly, the heart can become inflamed
(myocarditis).

Treatment

Fluid replacement is extremely important.
Most
likely, your vet
will rehydrate your dog intravenously (IV) with a balanced electrolyte
solution. In less severe cases, fluids may be given orally or
subcutaneously
under the skin.

This will replace fluids lost through
diarrhea or
vomiting. Antibiotics may be administered to control secondary
bacterial infections.

Prevention

CPV is the last "P" in DHLPP. Puppy
shots include a vaccination for parvo.

The information and
products recommended by german-shepherd-lore.com are not intended to
take the place of expert veterinarian care. Please consult with your
vet and ask about using a natural and alternative approach for the
healthcare and treatment of your pet. Find a holistic vet.